There is nothing that compares to homemade hummus, and this classic recipe is so simple you can make it in less than five minutes. Freshly squeezed lemon and raw garlic combine with the nuttiness of tahini and tender garbanzo beans to give this Middle Eastern spread a sharp, bold flavor that just cannot be found in store-bought hummus. It is extremely addicting and easy to prepare, but since it is so healthy you can enjoy this delicious vegetarian appetizer anytime.

Actually, the full title should be chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough and toasted marshmallow, but that would be too over the top… Kind of like these incredible treats, in which a dark chocolate cupcake is topped with a ball of peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough, before being draped in whipped marshmallow and then toasted to a deep golden perfection.

This classic Italian spaghetti is irresistible not only because of its robust flavors, but it has some alluring history too. They say that in the olden days in Italy, the ladies of the night would simmer this fragrant tomato sauce near an open window and the inviting aromas of garlic, tangy capers, savory olives, and fresh herbs would lure customers off the street. And since it is so easy to make, they could have a quick dinner in between appointments. Well, thanks to their ingenuity, we can all enjoy this seductive dish no matter what kind of work we do.

Homemade risotto is the ultimate Italian comfort food. This bright, flavorful dish is surprisingly simple to make, and can be enjoyed any time of year. The price of risotto at many restaurants would seem to suggest that it is difficult or time-consuming, but in fact it is quite easy and does not take long at all. This delicious risotto combines fresh golden carrots with tangy feta cheese, stirred gently with sharp flavors of minced garlic, lemon, fragrant dill, and white wine. And since it only takes about 30 minutes to prepare, it is the perfect weeknight dinner.

When I was five years old, I was so excited to take my first cooking class at the local community center. We made so many fun recipes, but my favorite part was when we learned how to make a cake. I remember feeling then—and I still feel now—a sense of amazement that you can take all these powders and liquids, mix them up, add some heat, and end up with a sweet and delicious cake. The first time I made this ginger key lime chiffon cake was for my birthday a few years ago, and from the first bite I was hooked (yes, I love to bake my own birthday cakes!). There are three layers of pillow-soft gingery chiffon, a rich and surprisingly tart key lime curd filling, and the entire cake is generously frosted with a silky smooth key lime buttercream. –Ryan